Development of a powered grasping device for home-based neurore- habilitation

Introduction The project “EU-Way” funded by the EC aims to develop and clinically evaluate non-invasive technologies that create bidirectional physiological links between a hand assistive device (like a prosthesis or an exoskeleton) and the patient's volition. These links will be achieved by means of interfaces based on novel principles that combine multilevel biosignals and multimodal sensory feedback. For clinical evaluation, a simple powered orthotic training device for patients with paralysed upper limb (e.g. after stroke) was developed. The powered hand-orthosis in combination with biosignal control strategy and biofeedback represents a novel rehabilitation solution assisting patients during daily trial to prevent further spasticism and contractions. Methods The orthotic system consists out of an individual lightweight bracing based on 3d scanning technology covering wrist and forearm. On the dorsal side of the forearm an electromechanical drive system including a control unit is integrated in the bracing. Proper finger motion is realised by one actuator allowing for flexion and extension with help of elastic Bowden cables that are linked to a rocker mechanism. The rotatory motion of the motor is transformed to a linear movement using a ball screw mechanism. Moreover, a teach-in process facilitates for individual adaptation with regard to different disability levels of the patients. A universal and efficient bracing mount is designed to deal with various types of patients. Interaction between human and orthosis is realised by using a brain-computer-interface that is controlled directly by human biosignals (EEG, EMG). Results The system allows for variation of training modes with grasping forces up to 30 N as well as individualized motion patterns. Maximum range of motion realised by the setup is 0° extension and 90° flexion as a combined motion metacarpophalangeal joint and proximal interphalagenal joint. Test results with a functional prototype will be presented and discussed. Biomed Tech 2014; 59 (s1) © 2014 by Walter de Gruyter • Berlin • Boston. DOI 10.1515/bmt-2014-5013 S1028 Unauthenticated Download Date | 6/20/17 2:42 PM A comparative in vitro study of different non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma-jets regarding their antimicrobial potential and destruction of bacterial biofilms K. Wegner , K. Duske, J. B. Nebe, R. Bussiahn, A. Podbielski, R. Bader 1 Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Rostock, Doberaner Str. 142, 18057 Rostock, Germany 2 Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Rostock, Schillingallee 69, 18057 Rostock, Germany 3 Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Rostock, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany 4 Leibniz-Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP) Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]